Author: Stuart Gibbs
As a fledgling writer of science fiction for middle grade, it’s my sworn duty to familiarize myself with the literature already available, especially contemporary works. In other words, I get to read all the kids books and no one can give me the side-eye or ask, “Oh. Are your grandchildren visiting?” Ha.
Space Case, by Stuart Gibbs, is the first of a trio of mysteries set in Moon Base Alpha. Yes, it’s set inside the moon base. Moon walks are so dangerous that the nine children in the 27-person science colony are forbidden from ever leaving the base. Except in case of serious emergency. Which, you know, happen.
Gibbs imbues Space Case with his trademark humor and attention to detail. His first acknowledgement is to Garrett Reisman, engineer, SpaceX director of crew operations, and real-life astronaut.
Dash Gibson, 12, our brilliant hero, gives a rather involved description of his battles with the space toilet. Any kid reader with an affinity for fart jokes will love it. Any reader curious about living on the Moon will enjoy loping through low-gravity life.
In spite of various mishaps and encounters with amusing characters, Dash solves the mystery and saves the day.
Trivia: “Dash” is short for “Dashiell.” Dashiell Hammett wrote The Maltese Falcon and the other Sam Spade mysteries. Coincidence? Unlikely, although I couldn’t find evidence on Gibbs’ excellent website, stuartgibbs.com.
